6. Tom Hiddleston

2011 key roles: 'Thor,' 'Midnight in Paris,' 'War Horse,' 'The Deep Blue Sea'

Think of Tom Hiddleston as Fassbender-Lite, though perhaps with even more range. The British actor, who has been working on film and television projects since 2001, exploded in 2011 with a variety of differing roles. You know him best as Thor's evil brother Loki in 'Thor,' but Hiddleston also charmed as F. Scott Fitzgerald in 'Midnight in Paris' and plays a key role in 'War Horse,' Steven Spielberg's heartwarming drama set to woo audiences (and Oscar voters) this Christmas.

Upcoming projects: Hiddleston will reprise his role as Loki in 'The Avengers' and 'Thor 2.'